The Best Free Job Search Resources
Job searching is challenging. You will see me say that over and over again because it’s true. Today’s job market is incredibly tough and you want to make sure that the application you submit is going to get you into the interview chair. I highly encourage you to take the time to reach out to resources while you are job searching. When you reach out to resources you are getting support, feedback, and the help that you deserve. You do not need to do this job search alone.
The resources I’m going to share will help you get feedback on your applications and make your application process quicker and easier.
If you are a college student or an alumni, your school’s career center should be your first stop. Your career center is filled with staff who are experts at resume and cover letter writing, interviewing, and job searching. They can not only give you feedback to improve your applications but also recommend open positions to you. Depending on your school, you may or may not be able to utilize the college career center as an alumni. Ask anyway! If they can’t help, I’m sure they can direct you to community resources in your area.
The next place I want you to look into is your local library. Many libraries have a state supported career center that operates out of the library. Similar to a college career center, the staff at the career hub in your library can give you resume feedback and direct you to local career fairs and networking events.
Here are a few examples of career hubs in Las Vegas, Kansas City, and Boston.
When I was working as a college career advisor, I would direct students to a few online resources including CareerOneStop, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Handbook, and USAJobs. These websites are great tools to help you explore career options. Maybe you aren’t sure what career you’re wanting to go into. Maybe you want to find out the starting salary for a position. Maybe you’re curious about the education required to become a nurse, a doctor, or a physical therapist. These websites are great tools for just that!
The last resource I want to share with you today is your community. Your friends. Your family. Your peers. If you aren’t ready to check out a career center just yet, have a trusted friend take a look at your resume. Ask your family member to help you practice interview questions. Celebrate your first submitted application with a loved one. You do not need to go through your job search alone.
